Better move fast! Amazon pushing deals to Snapchat

To kick off its Black Friday specials, Amazon on Thursday announced that it will start posting deal codes to disappearing messaging app Snapchat, which can then be redeemed during checkout on its site.

Also Thursday, the online retailer said that its Instagram is now shoppable—a move that competitors and Nordstrom made earlier this year.

Warehouse operator GLP counts online retailers such as Amazon as its clients.

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"Our customers are redefining Black Friday shopping," said Steve Shure, Amazon's vice president of worldwide marketing. "They want to stay home with family, enjoy some turkey and football, and shop the hottest deals."

Amazon also said that it will bring back its deals every 10 minutes campaign, which will kick off this Friday and last two more days than in 2013. The retailer will also host three "Deals of the Day" on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, compared with two last year.

Amazon is upping the ante on its holiday deals at a time when competitor Wal-Mart is taking aim at the low-price crown.

The big box store recently changed its price match policy to match select online retailers such as Amazon. On Wednesday, Wal-Mart said that it will lower prices on popular items to match or beat select Black Friday offers from national competitors one week early.

Retailers are increasingly turning to technology to make their brands stand out in a chronically promotional environment.

See the slideshow below for a look at how other retailers are using technology to drive engagement.